pages: CityCouncil/2020-10-20.pdf, 21
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CityCouncil | 2020-10-20 | 21 | Councilmember Vella inquired how the update, review and timeline is provided to Council when changes are made; stated the pandemic has lasted several months and traffic is heavy for AUSD lunch pickup as well as for the Food Bank; expressed concern about the timeliness and bus routes which may be inactive. The Planning, Building and Transportation Director stated the direction he is receiving is Council is supportive of the Slow Streets program and would like to see expansions; staff can provide an off-agenda report or provide a staff report for an upcoming agenda with the most current update and plans for expansion of the program; the update will include streets being considered; the Public Works and Planning, Building and Transportation Departments are feeling over-extended; staff can re-group and provide updates with a comparison to the main map provided in May. The City Engineer stated there had been a concerted push in May and June to get the Slow Streets program rolled out; staff then diverted attention to commercial streets; expansion opportunities are possible for Slow Streets. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft expressed support for Slow Streets; stated communication is key and goes a long way when installing Slow Streets; expressed support for the recommendation to delay short-term, temporary, special event street closures along major commercial and side streets due to the County Public Health Officer prohibiting large gatherings; stated the City needs to keep COVID-19 numbers under control; residents must continue to protect themselves; outlined a swap meet at Alameda Point and a karaoke party at a yacht club; stated gatherings should not be happening now. Vice Mayor Knox White stated that he listened to the Transportation Commission meeting status report; expressed support for the work done by City staff; Council provided direction for Slow Streets based on a map provided in May; expressed support for quicker communication to Council in the event decisions are made to delay Slow Streets. Councilmember Vella stated communication improvements with Council and the public are needed during the pandemic; many people are excited for the reopening; there is still misinformation about permitted and non-permitted matters; the City needs to provide better communication for updates on permitted activities; activities are planned not just within the commercial districts but residential as well; there is ample information provided on the City's website; however, many people do not know to visit the City's website for information; better communication is a larger issue and a strategy is needed for the City as a whole; expressed support for an off-agenda update to Council; stated Council information is helpful and allows members to be on the same page, relaying the same information and message. Councilmember Oddie expressed support for City staff; stated staff has been responsive to Council and the community; outlined merchant input on commercial street closures; expressed support for a pilot commercial street closure; stated there have Regular Meeting Alameda City Council October 20, 2020 20 | CityCouncil/2020-10-20.pdf |